Swap deals have often come into use, even with FC Barcelona, to bypass certain boundaries. These deals allow either direct swaps between players or allow teams to renegotiate significant transfer demands. However, Barcelona themselves have understood that such deals can have complications from their own experiences.
Yet, drastic times do tend to call for drastic measures. With Barcelona planning to revamp their squad for the upcoming season, there are several positions in which changes must be made. On the flip side, however, Barcelona also need to generate adequate amounts of revenue to administer their plans as well.
For this reason, specifically, the Catalan club has refrained from granting most players the title of being untouchables or non-transferable. One player who falls into this same lump of players is Andreas Christensen, who is still an asset Barcelona could look to generate profit off of despite his strong season with La Blaugrana during this campaign.
As a result of his performances, according to SPORT, Newcastle United has taken an interest in him. Already having had a successful stint at Chelsea before, Christensen’s previous experience of the Premier League is another factor that entices Newcastle to go for him.
However, Barcelona also have a Newcastle player who they would like to possibly snatch away. Alexander Isak, aged 24, is a Swedish striker who was previously a player for Real Sociedad in La Liga. Now, however, he represents the Premier League side led by Eddie Howe and has already scored 20 goals this season as he remains in the Golden Boot race in England.
A player whose profile fits what Barça needs, they believe that he could act as the ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski. In the event that the Polish striker agrees to leave the club, the Swede could be the one to take over. However, his price tag could be an issue for Barcelona.
With Newcastle having spent close to €75 million for him when they purchased him, any amount below €80 million may not be enough to steal him away. However, if Christensen were to be used as a bargaining chip, that same price tag could be brought down significantly and into a range that is much more affordable for Barcelona.
Moreover, despite his solid adaptation to the pivot position and that role having become his primary use to the team, the potential arrival of Guido Rodriguez and another elite pivot could ruin that relationship that benefits both the Danish player and Barcelona with one another. This would mean that accepting a move away from the club could end up giving Christensen more opportunities to find playing time as well.